Internal Quality Assurance Program Manager

Position Description:

The Internal Quality Assurance Program Manager reports to the Oklo Head of Nuclear Quality Assurance and is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Oklo NQA-1-based quality assurance program, specifically as it relates to the management and oversight of internal activities within the scope of the quality assurance program. This role is critical to ensuring that all Oklo activities associated with design, construction, and operation activities are compliant governing quality requirements.

The Internal Quality Assurance Program Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, procurement, and regulatory affairs—to establish quality benchmarks, provide oversight of quality assurance program area, and implement corrective actions as needed. The role requires a strong understanding of nuclear industry standards, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Managing audit schedules and leading internal quality audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards
• Administration of the company’s Corrective Action Program (CAP), including conducting root cause evaluations, and training of personnel.
• Reviewing procurement documents, contracts, and specifications for alignment with quality assurance requirements
• Collaborating with engineering and project teams to ensure internal deliverables meet technical and regulatory expectations
• Developing and delivering quality training to internal stakeholders and team members
• Support the development of new quality assurance program areas as the company’s work progresses,
• Preparing detailed reports and metrics related to performance, audit findings, and quality trends
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Traveling to support various company initiatives (up to 25%)

Competencies:

We are looking for an Internal Quality Assurance Program Manager who is:

• Detail-oriented and able to manage a wide variety of concurrent projects
• Capable of using sound judgment and discretion in evaluating issues and problems
• Passionate about clean energy
• An optimist at heart
• Passionate about making advanced fission a reality
• Willing and able to learn quickly
• Willing to think differently and do things in new ways
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment
• Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving, while not leaning only on what has been done before
• Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems
• An excellent writer who can write in a modern, active voice—make your cover letter compelling and write it well!
• Able to communicate technical content and results in written and verbal formats to a diverse audience

Experience Level:

• Experienced: 5–10 years of quality assurance or program implementation experience in a regulated industry (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, automotive, defense)
• At least 2 years of experience managing people and teams, with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional groups, mentor staff, and influence decision-making at various organizational levels
• Proven track record of leading audits, implementing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience in a startup or fast-paced environment is a plus, especially where resourcefulness, autonomy, and adaptability are essential to success
• Comfortable working with internal company stakeholders and regulatory bodies

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a technical, scientific, or engineering discipline. (In lieu of a degree, 8 years of progressively responsible experience in a quality assurance or related technical role may be credited.)
• Previous or current qualification as a Lead Auditor within an ASME NQA-1-based quality assurance program, with a strong understanding of NQA-1 requirements and their application to supplier quality management
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and procurement documents for compliance purposes
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to the nuclear industry, such as NRC, DOE, or international equivalents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document findings, prepare audit reports, and communicate quality concerns clearly and professionally
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other basic digital tools used for quality documentation and data analysis

Bonus Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Commercial Grade Dedication practices and implementation strategies, particularly in complex or high-risk procurement environments
• Experience establishing new programs and processes within design and construction organizations
• Familiarity with industry-specific quality management software systems (e.g., enterprise QMS platforms) and digital audit tools
• Understanding of international quality standards and practices, including ISO 9001 or similar frameworks, and their integration with NQA-1 systems
• Experience drafting or contributing to regulatory filings or technical justifications related to quality assurance

Who you are:

A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won’t enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that.

Motivated: You are self-motivated. You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out. This isn’t about a fake or arbitrary “pieces of flair” mentality or lack of work-life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.

A team-player: Oklo genuinely is a team. We aren’t about taking credit for ourselves, and we aren’t about pushing blame to others. We do incredible things because we work as a team.

An excellent communicator: We need a person who is not only technically competent but also a clear and upbeat communicator.

Creative: Being creative means that when things fall outside clear scopes or processes or problems arise without clear solutions, you are able to identify it as well as invent ways to solve a problem or fill a need without micromanagement. The successful person in this job will not only be creative, but also enjoy being creative and solving open-ended problems which may change day-by-day.

Detail-oriented: This focus is a big part of excellence, consistency, and quality. Excellent grammar and spelling matter for both good communication as well as the image of the company that we put forward.

About Oklo compensation: $150,000-170,000

Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits.

About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.